TMD OPEN 12- Stratford, Ct- February 16-17, 2008

[iamfishman]

Hi all,

After reading your comments in the thread here http://www.themanadrain.com/index.php?topic=34975.0 I came to some conclusions about TMD OPEN 12. 
First and foremost were the questions and size of day 1 and 2.  I heard mixed reviews about day 1 pricing and prizes but almost everyone liked a bigger day 2.  I came to the realization that going from $25-$30 might increase attendance of travelers from a distance but lower attendance from more casual locals.  These seem like they would balance out.  As a compromise I thought, "What about simply making day 2 $25 as well with bigger prizes?"(not quite as big as day 1, because of the smaller attendance, but bigger than they were previously).  This accomplishes 2 things.  It allows a local to come for one of the two days and only have to pay $25 to play, while at the same time allowing a bigger day two event as an incentive(different from an even bigger day 1) for the long distance participant.  As for the other choices, while...you will just have to read through this post to see.

DAY 1

WHEN:
Saturday, February 16, 2008

WHERE:
GamingETC.com Storefront
555 Lordship Boulevard (Exit 30 off I95)
Stratford CT 06615
1-800-380-1115 or 203-849-0186

LODGINGS:
Ramada Inn
255 Lordship Boulevard
Stratford, CT. 06615
203-375-8866

WHAT:
MAIN EVENT - THE MANA DRAIN OPEN 12 (Waterbury)

$25 Entry Fee

Registration: 10:00 - 11:00 am

Tourney Starts PROMPTLY at 11:00 am(To avoid a prolonged tournament, this will be strictly enforced.  Latecomers will be subject to a round 1 loss.)

Format - Type One with TEN proxies + $1 per extra proxy(15 proxies maximum)

Cut to top 16

DOPENESS FACTOR: The value of k where k is a positive integer such that 36 + k, 300 + k, 596 + k are the squares of three consecutive terms of an arithmetic progression.

PRIZE SUPPORT:

Prize Support based on 135 participants
1st Prize – 765 store credit or $640 in cash or Unlimited Black Lotus
2nd Prize – 510 store credit or $430 in cash or Alpha Mox Emerald or Beta Mox Jet(some wear)
3rd Prize – 280 store credit or $220 in cash
4th Prize – 225 store creditor $180 in cash
5-8th Prize – 125 store credit or $100 in cash
9th Prize – 16th prize – Official TMD Open Playmat + 1/4 box boosters
***Prizes will increase with increase in attendance.***

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At the end of round 3 we will be taking sign ups for a FREE tournament for an Italian Mana Drain for first, and a playset of Flooded Strands for Second!!!.
The tournament will require you to use the same deck used in the main event(to make life infinitely freakin' easier) and to ensure speedy signups-send off.
The tournament will be single elimination(Hey what do you want from a free event?!?!)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At the end of round 6 we will be taking sign ups for a FREE tournament for an Alpha Taiga for first, and a Tarmogoyf for Second!!!.
The tournament will require you to use the same deck used in the main event(to make life infinitely freakin' easier) and to ensure speedy signups-send off.
The tournament will be single elimination(Hey what do you want from a free event?!?!)


BYES:
The top finishers(top is a relative word based on the size of the event) of ANY Type 1 Tournament in the world will be rewarded with the ability to purchase a round one bye at the upcoming TMD Open X separate from any prize the TO is giving, The following guidelines are to be considered:
1.) The tournament must have at least 25 people.
2.) If the tournament has between 25 and 49 people, the winner may purchase a bye for $10.
3.) If the tournament has between 50 and 74 people, the winner AND/OR the 2nd place finisher may purchase a bye for $10 each.
4.) If the tournament has 75+ people, the top 4 players may purchase a bye for $10(this will mainly be SCG events)

ALSO, a TO can still offer byes as prizes in one of two ways.  They can purchase either a round one bye without entry for $10 or a round one bye with entry fee for $30.  These can only be use as prizes for:
1.) Part of a first or second place prize if the tournament has between 15 and 39 people.
2.) Part of any top 4 place prize if the tournament has between 40 and 64 people.
3.) Part of any top 8 place prize if the tournament has 65+ people.

Any TO's wishing to purchase a bye must contact me prior to the day of the event for which the bye is being offered, though payment doesn't have to be received until after the tournament takes place, since if the tournament does not meet the minimum number of players and the bye cannot be awarded, the TO will not be charged.

This list will be updated as time goes on.

PAID FOR BYES:
Previous TMD OPEN Day 1 Winner: Justin Timoney
Previous TMD OPEN Day 2 Winner: Rich Shay
TMD OPEN 11.5 Winner: Scott Hughes
BYES THAT CAN BE BOUGHT:
TMD OPEN 11 Day 1: Rob Moreau
TMD OPEN 11 Day 1: Andy Probasco
TMD OPEN 11 Day 1: Mike Hetherington
TMD OPEN 11 Day 1: Michael Lafrieniere
TMD OPEN 11 Day 1: Dave Feinstein
TMD OPEN 11 Day 1: Dan Herd
TMD OPEN 11 Day 1: Dan Carp(Passed Down from Rich Shay)
TMD OPEN 11 Day 2: Luis Tassi
TMD OPEN 11 Day 2: Elias Vaisberg
TMD OPEN 11 Day 2: Chadd Kline
TMD OPEN 11 Day 2: Jeremy Seroogy
TMD OPEN 11 Day 2: Jeremy Beaver
TMD OPEN 11 Day 2: Chris Atkinson
TMD OPEN 11 Day 2: Devin Blau(Passed down from Mike Hetherington)
Hadley-August 5-Bill Copes(Passed down from Chris Atkinson)
Myriad Games-August 11-Sam Best
Feinstein’s First Mox-August 12-Matt McNally
Gencon-Vintage Champs-Alex Franson
Gencon-Vintage Champs-Nick Calcaterra
Gencon-Vintage Champs-Vincent Forino
Gencon-Vintage Champs-Steve Conway
Gencon-Vintage Champs-Richard Mattiuzzo
Gencon-Vintage Champs-Stephen Mennedian
Gencon-Vintage Champs Prelim-Tommy Kolowith(Passed down from Steve Mennedian)
Philly Area-August 25-Kevin Sigman(Passed Down from Jeremy Beaver)
Myriad Games- September 1-Eric Kerwin
SCG Indy-September 15-Owen Turtenwald
SCG Indy-September 15-Doug Linn
SCG Indy-September 15-Chris Nighbor
SCG Indy-September 15-Nick Little
SCG Indy-September 15-Jim Erlinger
SCG Indy-September 15-Adam Ragsdale
SCG Indy-September 15-Paul Mastriano
Philly Area-September 15-???
ELD’s Mox-September 22- Oliver Beaumont
Hadley-September 23- Dan Gacioch
Myriad Games-October 6- Demonic Attorney
Feinstein’s Second Mox-October 7-Arik Porgrebinsky
Philly Area-October 13- Jason Portizo
Cambridge(Chester Li)-October 20- Stefan Ellsworth
SCG Chicago-November 10- Jamison Bryant
SCG Chicago-November 10- Manuel Fernandez
SCG Chicago-November 10- Dan Carp
SCG Chicago-November 10- Jim McCarthy
SCG Chicago-November 10- Jerry Yang
SCG Chicago-November 10- Jake Kempfer
SCG Chicago-November 10- Ian DeGaff
SCG Chicago-November 11- Jerret Rocha
SCG Chicago-November 11- Nick Calcoteria
SCG Chicago-November 11- Marty Koestner
SCG Chicago-November 11- Lou Christopher
Myriad Games-November 10- Eric Dupuis
ELD’s Mox-November 18- Nick Rodriguez
Myriad Games-December 1- Jeff Carpenter
Feinstein’s Last Mox- December 23- Rich Meyst(Passed down from Rich Shay)
Myriad Games- January 12-Jeremiah Rudolph
TMC Open 2(Vintage)-January 13- Joe Davis
ELD's Mox- January 26- Rob Rogers
Blue Bell- January 26- Brian LeGrow
Cary Cup- Januray 26- Cody Vinci
RIW Lotus-January 27- Paul Mastriano
Myriad Games- Feb 9- Corey Fraser


* If you are traveling from far away(of which tournaments I did not record winners) and feel you deserve the right to purchase a bye, simply let me know and I will adjust the list above to reflect it.
** With byes passing down from players already qualified for one, you may want to check this list carefully, and inform any friends that may not know they are qualified for a round 1 bye.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This event follow the Universal Tournament Organizer Guidelines.
http://magiceternal.com/UTOG.html


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Team rivalry, a.k.a. Braggin Rights Supreme February 2008:
Here is how its gonna go down.  Teams of three will agree prior to the event to play as a team and will register(seperate from a deck registration...it will be done on a different sheet of paper).  Each teams cost is $9...$3 per person.  Then, at the end of the tournament, the teams with the highest combined number of match points(top 16 matches-finals count as 3 points per match, just as in the swiss) will win. 

If enough teams enter, there may be a second place prizes or more, but the number of teams entering, and thus the collected entry fees, will determine the prizes.  In the event of a tie for match points, the average opponent match win percentage of the three players on each team will be computed and compared. 

After round 3 team designations will be inserted into players names, so teams may view each other team's players and match points on the pairings/standings.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 2

Sunday, February 17, 2008
GamingETC.com Storefront
555 Lordship Boulevard (Exit 30 off I95)
Stratford CT 06615
1-800-380-1115 or 203-849-0186

Type 1 Tourney for an TBD
10+ proxies(same as day 1)

Entry: $25

Prize Support based on 75 participants
1st Prize – 575 store credit or $475 in cash.
2nd Prize – 300 store credit or $250 in cash
3rd-4th Prize – 160 store credit or $125 in cash
5th-8th Prize – 80 store credit or $60 in cash
9th-16th Prize – 1 non-blue dual land
***Prizes will increase with increase attendance.***

Registration 10 - 11:00 AM

Starts 11:00 AM

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At the end of round 3 we will be taking sign ups for a FREE tournament for a blue dual land for first, and a non-blue dual land for Second!!!.
The tournament will require you to use the same deck used in the main event(to make life infinitely freakin' easier) and to ensure speedy signups-send off.
The tournament will be single elimination(Hey what do you want from a free event?!?!)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TEAM Magic Trivia(teams may be up to 4 people)
(Using Jeopardy template- 5 categories with questions of varying value.)
Starts at 6:30 pm
Prizes include: TIME SPIRAL BOOSTERS and other cool stuff
FREE Entry

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Questions comments concerns, please feel free to contact me at iamfishman2000@hotmail.com, via AIM at PLIKEY, PM ME, or by cell phone at (860) 605-3730

Cya at Waterbury!

[sorcutt]

Ray, may ELD proxies be used and not count towards the total proxy count?

[iamfishman]

Ray, may ELD proxies be used and not count towards the total proxy count?

This is a question ELD has mentioned a few times.  At this time I don't think it would be fair to allow such a thing since it gives an unfair advantage to players who live closer as opposed to those who travel a bit to play.  This is my opinion though.  I'd like to hear what others, both locals and travlelers, have to say on this issues.  Please post your opinions here.

Thanks.

[Englishman_in_NH]

k = 925 ?

And to add a little. Can't wait for this, should be a blast as always.

Ray, I would agree with you on the ELD proxies - although they are a great boon for the local NE scene, I feel it unfairly hinders non-locals with fewer proxies. Maybe a compromise that they can be part of the five additional proxies for only 50 cents each instead of a dollar? Just an idea. See everyone in amonth.

Oli

[Outlaw]

Where is the list of cards that are given out for meeting certain criteria? 17th place and what not?

[ELD]

I have proposed allowing them to not count towards the limit on Day 2, as it tends to be the more casual than Day 1.  This would allow people to essentially play with more proxies Day 2 and try decks they might not be able to play otherwise.  If things went in that direction, I would work with Ray to make sure that people could pick up ELD Proxies as part of the prize structure if they wanted.  Another way of doing it would be to have the ELD proxies not cost $1 more for the additional proxy slots.  This would give people the option of either paying for an ELD Proxy and not having to worry about paying the $1 extra anymore. 

ELD Proxies are available to anyone who wants to purchase/trade for them, as I do have extras.  They are $15 and both Myriad and I have a good selection.  Since the option to buy them is open to everyone, I'm not sure how much of an advantage it really is.  It's not like they were given out for free to everyone - people had to spend the $25 to play in my events.  People have also selected ELD Proxies out of the prize pool more than any other cards, and I do trade/sell them frequently.  If we somehow got the point where they were really difficult to get, then I would address that issue, but we're simply not there yet.  Anyone who wants the ELD Proxies can easily obtain them.  However Ray proceeds I will be happy to work with him.  I'll be interested to see what the rest of the community would like to see happen. 

[Marek]

I should be there.  I vote for the ELD proxies to not count, but if the player has more than 10 proxies already the ELD proxies should not cost an additional $1.  I don't think that New England players should have the proxy advantage with these, but should get some sort of slight benefit for having them.  What ELD proposed sounds pretty solid as well though.

Marek

[Dxfiler]

To me proxies are proxies.  A popular TO who is able to spread their signature proxies out in the community doesn't change the fact that not everyone has access to them, even if they are tradeabable or for sale (even though i think buying proxies is nuts :p).

Whether it's ELD or anyone else's, I personally think all proxies should be treated equal.  That way the scales don't ever tip in the favor of who has a certain proxy nor does it suddenly create a proxy market.

With that said, ELD does make a fine proxy, it just seems unfair to non-locals to make his exclusively count as non-proxies.

I'll try to make it to this Waterbury.  The tourney looks good as always.

- Dave

[T00L]

ELD proxies being legal seems fine. Makes it easier to proxy random sb cards.

[Harlequin]

K is 925. 

The real trick is solving this problem without excel and/or guess and check.  It's actually a really cool problem!

Hint: there are exactly 4 odd numbers between 66 and 74...


I'd like to see your guess and check work for:
79 + k ; 173056 + k ; 348100 + k

[Hatchman]

wow, apparantly since all the good magic players quit, jeremiah and jeff carpenter winning tournaments in new england now?  WE're going to have a grudge match at waterbury bitches

[Rock Lee]

wow, apparantly since all the good magic players quit, jeremiah and jeff carpenter winning tournaments in new england now?  WE're going to have a grudge match at waterbury bitches

OMG. Are the World of Warcraft Servers down?! What hole did THIS guy crawl out of!?


I will be there 110% and looking for blood.

In regards to ELD Proxies...
I like ELD's suggestion of Day 2 is a go for Proxies. I don't have many, but Day 2 is often the more-casual day, when people play crazy.dec and might need their proxy count elsewhere.

Also regardless of if they ARE in for either day or not, be sure to pick up Mishra's Workshops at ELD's Jan 26th event!

[EVG]

This event looks amazing Ray I cant wait!!!

In regards to the whole ELD proxy situation, I think that it seems to be a bit unfair if they do not count towards the number of proxies, but that is just my opinion. Its not my call but I feel that for some people who cannot make it to ELD's events are at somewhat of a disadvantage but albeit its not a very big one

PS - Ray when are the results and lists from TMC 2 going up?

[iamfishman]

Apparently some people are thinking that because I streamlined all the prizes to be cash or credit that it has something to do with an increase in my expenses.

In reality, it just seemed simpler than making the prizes be specific pieces of power.

Some people prefer cash prizes.  Those who don't should be able to get whatever prize they want with their credit, not something predetermined based on what I have.

It is so obvious and simple, I can't believe I never thought of it before.

[iamfishman]

Oh...and I forgot to mention.  This event will be run following both DCI guidelines and the UTOG.

[desolutionist]

I'm totally going to this instead of a PTQ.

ELD proxies being legal seems fine. Makes it easier to proxy random sb cards.

$15 on a proxy or $1 on an Artifact Mutation?

[BigChuck]

Let me know if you need people to help out with this Ray.

[ELD]

Quote from: T00L on January 16, 2008, 02:11:58 AM
ELD proxies being legal seems fine. Makes it easier to proxy random sb cards.

$15 on a proxy or $1 on an Artifact Mutation?

ELD Proxies are legal everywhere proxies are allowed.  I believe Stefan was trying to say that if they do not count towards the proxy limit, it would effectively allow people to run more proxies.  A stax player could run (depending on list) 5 Moxen, Recall, Walk, Imperial Seal, 4x Workshops, and 4x Bazaar and still have 15 proxies on top of that.  That's potentially 31 proxies overall, which is obviously huge.  That takes the advantage away from people who can afford all of those uber expensive cards.  Not all SB cards are cheap, and being able to proxy cards like In the Eye of Chaos is certainly helpful to players who do not own a ton of power.  The choice is ultimately up to Ray, and I'm sure he will do what he feels is best for the community and sustaining TMD Opens. 

[desolutionist]

"Random" usually implies junk uncommon/common.

I don't disagree with allowing ELD proxies and it really isn't anyone's business saying otherwise.  They're available to everyone like any real piece of power.  People who attended your events accumulated them for free, but it would be just the same if you had increased the entrance fee $15 or handed out Mox Jets and Ancestral Recalls as door prizes... (Almost) 

Some people respect the game enough to really stand against proxies though; I think it's those people you have to worry about.

[ashiXIII]

Quote from: T00L on January 16, 2008, 02:11:58 AM
ELD proxies being legal seems fine. Makes it easier to proxy random sb cards.

$15 on a proxy or $1 on an Artifact Mutation?

ELD Proxies are legal everywhere proxies are allowed.  I believe Stefan was trying to say that if they do not count towards the proxy limit, it would effectively allow people to run more proxies.  A stax player could run (depending on list) 5 Moxen, Recall, Walk, Imperial Seal, 4x Workshops, and 4x Bazaar and still have 15 proxies on top of that.  That's potentially 31 proxies overall, which is obviously huge.  That takes the advantage away from people who can afford all of those uber expensive cards.  Not all SB cards are cheap, and being able to proxy cards like In the Eye of Chaos is certainly helpful to players who do not own a ton of power.  The choice is ultimately up to Ray, and I'm sure he will do what he feels is best for the community and sustaining TMD Opens. 

While this does admittedly take the advantage away from those who actually own cards (which IS part of the game, but that's another story) it doesn't do so in a fair way. It shifts that advantage to people who live in the New England area and are able to accumulate ELD proxies. It actually makes it even more unfair to people who travel and don't own power.

That being said, 15 proxies is plenty to be able to play any tier 1 Vintage deck. It just means that you have to own/borrow some cards, but don't need anything worth over about $20.

[Myriad Games]

While there is certainly a balance issue to consider with regard to access to cards, all decks should be able to easily get within 15 proxies. Unusual card choices can be obtained relatively easily given sufficient preparation.

[Dxfiler]

Ugh.  I just found out the ptq in Rhode Island is the same day as this. 

I never thought I'd skip a Waterbury, but I guess this is the first one I won't be making.  =(

Ray I wish you the best but there's no way you're going to get the 135 you're looking for if you keep this scheduled the same day as that ptq. 

My hope is you'd reschedule but I understand if you don't.

Good luck either way.

- Dave

[ashiXIII]

Ugh.  I just found out the ptq in Rhode Island is the same day as this. 

I never thought I'd skip a Waterbury, but I guess this is the first one I won't be making.  =(

Ray I wish you the best but there's no way you're going to get the 135 you're looking for if you keep this scheduled the same day as that ptq. 

My hope is you'd reschedule but I understand if you don't.

Good luck either way.

- Dave

There's also a PTQ in Westchester, PA this day, but that shouldn't affect attendance as much.

[Hatchman]

wow, apparantly since all the good magic players quit, jeremiah and jeff carpenter winning tournaments in new england now?  WE're going to have a grudge match at waterbury bitches

OMG. Are the World of Warcraft Servers down?! What hole did THIS guy crawl out of!?


I will be there 110% and looking for blood.

In regards to ELD Proxies...
I like ELD's suggestion of Day 2 is a go for Proxies. I don't have many, but Day 2 is often the more-casual day, when people play crazy.dec and might need their proxy count elsewhere.

Also regardless of if they ARE in for either day or not, be sure to pick up Mishra's Workshops at ELD's Jan 26th event!

To answer your question NO the servers aren't down, Just beat the game so I figured that I would take a day and come lay the smack down on some of you that have been winning in the lack of the Old School Players! So bring your "crazy.dec" and Ill just bring I win.

C-ya there

[iamfishman]

Ugh.  I just found out the ptq in Rhode Island is the same day as this. 

I never thought I'd skip a Waterbury, but I guess this is the first one I won't be making.  =(

Ray I wish you the best but there's no way you're going to get the 135 you're looking for if you keep this scheduled the same day as that ptq. 

My hope is you'd reschedule but I understand if you don't.

Good luck either way.

- Dave

It stinks, but the ultimate reality of the fact is that there are PTQ's/prereleases/release events/etc almost every weekend.  I can't easily escape them.  What I have learned from experienece over the last few years is to simply plan around vintage and legacy events where you will take your biggest hits.  If a PTQ is on the same day, what can you do?  Many have taken days off from work, planned hotels, carpools, etc. already.  I can't change the date now.

Besides, I don't imagine I will lose alot of people due to the PTQ as there isn't a whole lot of overlap between the two formats and I feel most will choose TMD Open over a PTQ because my big events are less frequent.

Ugh.  I just found out the ptq in Rhode Island is the same day as this. 

I never thought I'd skip a Waterbury, but I guess this is the first one I won't be making.  =(

Ray I wish you the best but there's no way you're going to get the 135 you're looking for if you keep this scheduled the same day as that ptq. 

My hope is you'd reschedule but I understand if you don't.

Good luck either way.

- Dave

There's also a PTQ in Westchester, PA this day, but that should affect attendance as much.

Is that a typo?  By using "but" did you mean to say it SHOULDN'T affect attendance that much.


And...with regard to ELD proxies...it still will be the case that the proxies will count as proxies toward your limit.  It is simply a matter of availablity.  Even if Eric sold the proxies at my event, they still cost $15 a piece for those from afar and it creates an inequity.
They are, however, the best proxies I've seen so I would HIGHLY encourage anyone who has them to use them.

[oneofchaos]

Nothing short of freak storms or cloverfield monsters is gonna keep me out. 

[MoxMonkey]

If I can get work off I'll be coming down to this. Ray always runs the best events and theres plenty of more PTQs to go to.  TMD Open ALWAYS > PTQ in my books. Now time to find 4 Gush and 3 Merchant Scroll. 

[Jeffro]

Outlaw and the jeff should be attending this event. hopefully with some roadies aswell.

and feinstein do u have more fun at a ptq than u would at an awsome vintage event like this?? i think not!!! get off your horse and come support vintage!!!

[T00L]

and feinstein do u have more fun at a ptq than u would at an awsome vintage event like this?? i think not!!! get off your horse and come support vintage!!!

plz don't encourage him <3

[ashiXIII]

Is that a typo?  By using "but" did you mean to say it SHOULDN'T affect attendance that much.


And...with regard to ELD proxies...it still will be the case that the proxies will count as proxies toward your limit.  It is simply a matter of availablity.  Even if Eric sold the proxies at my event, they still cost $15 a piece for those from afar and it creates an inequity.
They are, however, the best proxies I've seen so I would HIGHLY encourage anyone who has them to use them.

Err, oops. Definitely a typo. Fixed.